Peanut Butter

Peanut butter or any sort of nut butter should be your new best friend in a hotel room. This is perfect because you don’t even need a mini-fridge to keep it in the room.

You can get crackers or rice cakes and spread it on in the morning for breakfast, or take it to go as a snack for later. Slice up a banana with any plastic fork or put some berries on top and you have a nutritious bite.

Rice in a Bag

If you have a microwave in your hotel room, you should definitely go for rice in a bag.

Though it’s a little bit of a cooking faux pax, it’s really handy if you want to make something in your hotel room that has more substance. Once you’ve cooked the rice, you can add in things like cherry tomatoes, drained beans, and any other fun add-ins you like!

The post Easy No-Cook Meals You Can Make in a Hotel Room! appeared first on Traveler Master.

If you want to go back to the true origins of coffee, Ethiopia is the place you have to travel to! Coffee was first discovered and created in the East African country and once you visit, you’ll see how important it is to the culture. 

The arabica plant is where coffee comes from was first found in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia, and it was the region from which the word coffee came out of. Researchers say that coffee was first cultivated in the region all the way back in the 9th century, and in modern-day Ethiopia, coffee is served in a very special way. 

Similar to  Japanese tea ceremonies, in Ethiopia, there are coffee ceremonies.  The ceremony is very precise and involves things like roasting the beans in a pan before grinding them and brewing the coffee. There is usually incense present and often people will serve special popcorn with the coffee.

Though you normally have to be personally invited to a coffee ceremony, there are some public ones in the capital city of Addis Ababa like at the coffee shop Alem Bunna,  so if you do get to participate in one, don’t pass it up! 

The post If You Love Coffee, You Have to Check Out Ethiopia! appeared first on Traveler Master.

What to Do

One of the most famous festivities that Vigo celebrates every year is called La Reconquista, or the Reconquest of Vigo. This happened in the early 19th century when Vigo’s army fought against Napolean’s and was ultimately victorious. This celebration only happens in Vigo because no other cities were involved, and it usually takes place in March. There are historical reenactments, tons of food and drinking, Galician music, and more!

San Blas is another festival that you should definitely participate in if you’re around! It happens in the winter, usually late January or early February, and it celebrates the local winemakers around Vigo. During this time, they usually have a lot of wine and local cider that they can’t sell, so they give it to you for a very cheap price. What’s most fun is that the drinks are drunk out of a traditional bowl!

Another really fun and unique festival that happens in Vigo is called San Juan. The night of San Juan celebrates the summer solstice, and in order to do so, people cleanse themselves of their sins by writing down bad things that have happened and throwing them into huge bonfires that the city creates in the center. The other famous thing that happens during this celebration is the eating of sardines, so if you’re there, you definitely have to get a grilled one!

If you’re in Vigo in the summer, you’re in for a real treat since there are so many beaches in and surrounding the city! If you want to keep it local go to either Praia Samil or Praia do Vao. Both of these beaches are super easily accessed through public transportation and are very beautiful!

If you want to take your beach experience to the next level, take a ferry across the bay and go to the small town of Cangas and experience a totally serene, stunning, beach. There is a pathway that you walk alongside the sea from the ferry to the gorgeous beach, and it’s just such a great environment to truly relax.

What to Eat

There are so many bakeries to eat at in Vigo, but one of the absolute best is called El Atelier de Diego Caride. This authentic French bakery has so many incredible Galician twists that give you a real feel for the patisserie history of Vigo.

Something that you should definitely try to eat wherever you go to in Vigo is octopus. Spanish octopus originated in Vigo, and because it’s caught fresh, the flavor is amazing! Whether you see it on the street, on a menu, or in an empanada, get it!

The post Join the Celebration in Vigo, Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

Hai Van Pass, which means “Sea of Clouds” in Vietnamese, is a 21 km long mountain pass that has some serious views. It’s in the Annamite Mountain Range of Vietnam, but also provides you with an incredible view of the East Sea.

Hai Van Pass is actually the highest road in all of Vietnam, being 500 meters above sea level. This coastal road is basically where the north and south parts of the country meet, which makes it really easy for travelers to add to their itinerary if you’re looking to see the whole country anyway.

There are a few ways you can get to this gorgeous sliver of paradise. You can always hire a car or motorcycle and drive there yourself. Or, for not much money, you can hire a Vietnamese person to take you and anyone you’re with on a motorbike tour. The most expensive option is a jeep tour, which still won’t put you back more than $50, so whatever your budget and level of comfort might be, you can experience this beautiful road for yourself.

The post If You’re Going to Vietnam, Don’t Miss Out on Hai Van Pass! appeared first on Traveler Master.

Many people come to Nepal to climb this famous mountain, but, in recent years, it’s been so overcrowded that it’s becoming a fatal trek.

But, there is so much more to Nepal than just Mount Everest, and it’s truly a place of great beauty and adventure.

What to Do

Whether you’re a religious person or not, there’s no way you can skip out on seeing the town where Buddha was born.

In the small town of Lumbini, there are several Buddhist temples and monasteries as it is a place of pilgrimage for many Buddhists. The supposed birthplace of Buddha is in the Maya Devi Temple, so try to see it and as much as you can while you’re there.

Onto another religion and region, in Kathmandu, you cannot miss out on seeing the famous Hindu temple called Pashupatinath. This is the most sacred place for Hindus in the entire country and is another place where people make a pilgrimage to.

Just outside of Kathmandu is a small town called Bhaktapur. While it might not seem like much, the real attraction is the town square which is called Potters’ Square.

The city is famous for clay pottery, and the square is where the artisans leave their works out to dry in the sun. So, if you’re a crafty person or are looking for a unique gift to bring home, you have to head to this spot.

If you’re still a nature person but don’t want to train and push yourself to do Everest, there is still plenty of nature to explore in Nepal. One of the best places to go to is Chitwan National Park, which is a national park but also a jungle! While you’re there, you’ll definitely witness amazing wildlife like elephants, crocodiles, interesting birds, and perhaps one of the 600 rhinoceroses that roam the land.

Another wonderful place to visit if you love adventure and being outside is Lake Fewa. This lake is perfect for water sports, or just walking around the perimeter and taking in the beautiful views. Not only is the lake stunning on its own, but you have an up close and personal view of the Himalayan Mountains, which will absolutely take your breath away.

Food

Nepalese food is so delicious, you can’t visit without trying as many traditional dishes as you can.

One thing you will definitely see on the streets is momos, which are a type of dumpling filled with either some type of meat or often vegetables. It’s normally served with a red chili chutney that is to die for, so don’t be afraid to dip in!

One of the most recognized dishes in Nepal is dal bhat, which is a dish with rice, a soup made from lentils with vegetables and chutneys to accompany it.

The best place to get it is from a restaurant called Bhojan Griha in Kathmandu. This restaurant serves you a traditional Nepalese meal in 4 courses, and you will be so glad to have your belly full of traditional goodness.

The post Visit Nepal, Not Just for Mount Everest! appeared first on Traveler Master.

Durham, North Carolina

Durham for the last few years has really boomed in the music scenes. There are tons of record labels that are opening up, lots of agents moving from New York to Durham, and a lot of worthwhile bands to listen to. One of the most famous Durham-based bands right now is Sylvan Esso, and there is much more than just that to explore.

Asheville, North Carolina

Another North Carolina city, Asheville is also a great place to check out new music. There are tons of small and larger venues in the small city, and people are flocking there because of the beautiful mountainous surrounding alongside an awesome downtown scene. Singers like Angel Olsen are based on Asheville, and there is always music happening wherever you go.

Athens, Georgia

Home of the University of Georgia, people don’t realize how many bands have formed here and gotten their start. Everyone from the B-52s to R.E.M and Neutral Milk Hotel has come out of Athens, so if you want to find the next big thing, it might just be in a little college town in Georgia.

The post Discover These Up and Coming Southern Music Cities Before Everyone Else Does! appeared first on Traveler Master.

City of Asylum Bookstore is a bookstore and an organization that supports local and international artists so that their voices get heard. Some of these artists have been physically exiled from their homes, while others write in dying languages or have other circumstances which make it hard for them to have a place where they can root themselves.

City of Asylum Bookstore has tons of wonderful world literature as well as a large amount of translated works, and the best part is that all of their sales go right back into the organization so they can put on programming and support writers, artists, and musicians who rely on them. So if you happen to be in Pittsburgh and you want to go to a place that really makes a difference in the artistic community, City of Asylum Bookstore is the place to go.

The post Pittsburg Has a Bookstore That Goes Beyond Just Books appeared first on Traveler Master.

Saru Sushi

Saru is a Michelin Guide recommended sushi restaurant, so you know that it is going to be a super high-quality place that uses the best ingredients possible. What makes Saru’s food over the top is the attention they put into each aspect of making sushi. The rice they use is incredible and is grown in Japan, their selection of soy sauces is outstanding and includes one that is made in-house. So if you want a real sushi experience outside of Japan, this is the place to go.

Halu

Halu is a different kind of Japanese restaurant with a major twist. This restaurant is the ’60s, Beetle-inspired theme restaurant that isn’t too kitschy. The style of food they serve is also different as it’s yakitori and izakaya-style food rather than typical sushi. If you are in the mood to have fun some fun and eat expertly prepared meat, Halu is the place for you.

The post These Two San Francisco Japanese Restaurants are to Die For appeared first on Traveler Master.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter or any sort of nut butter should be your new best friend in a hotel room. This is perfect because you don’t even need a mini-fridge to keep it in the room.

You can get crackers or rice cakes and spread it on in the morning for breakfast, or take it to go as a snack for later. Slice up a banana with any plastic fork or put some berries on top and you have a nutritious bite.

Rice in a Bag

If you have a microwave in your hotel room, you should definitely go for rice in a bag.

Though it’s a little bit of a cooking faux pax, it’s really handy if you want to make something in your hotel room that has more substance. Once you’ve cooked the rice, you can add in things like cherry tomatoes, drained beans, and any other fun add-ins you like!

The post Easy No-Cook Meals You Can Make in a Hotel Room! appeared first on Traveler Master.

The first thing that hits you is all of the crazy taxidermies you’ll find on the walls, behind the bar, and beyond. Then, as you make your way to the dancefloor, you’ll notice that all the music that is playing is different than what you normally hear on the radio or at a club.

Instead of top 40 hits, Home Sweet Home plays exclusively old rock music from the ’50s and ’60s, which makes for a completely different vibe. People on the dance floor are dancing in a way you probably won’t see in other places. Instead of normal dance moves, people pull out old school dance moves like the twist, the jive, the jitterbug, and more! You can obviously enjoy the club the way that you like best, but it is fun to get into a new swing of things.

The post If You Love Quirky Themed Bars, This NYC Joint is the Place for You! appeared first on Traveler Master.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter or any sort of nut butter should be your new best friend in a hotel room. This is perfect because you don’t even need a mini-fridge to keep it in the room.

You can get crackers or rice cakes and spread it on in the morning for breakfast, or take it to go as a snack for later. Slice up a banana with any plastic fork or put some berries on top and you have a nutritious bite.

Rice in a Bag

If you have a microwave in your hotel room, you should definitely go for rice in a bag.

Though it’s a little bit of a cooking faux pax, it’s really handy if you want to make something in your hotel room that has more substance. Once you’ve cooked the rice, you can add in things like cherry tomatoes, drained beans, and any other fun add-ins you like!

The post Easy No-Cook Meals You Can Make in a Hotel Room! appeared first on Traveler Master.

If you want to go back to the true origins of coffee, Ethiopia is the place you have to travel to! Coffee was first discovered and created in the East African country and once you visit, you’ll see how important it is to the culture. 

The arabica plant is where coffee comes from was first found in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia, and it was the region from which the word coffee came out of. Researchers say that coffee was first cultivated in the region all the way back in the 9th century, and in modern-day Ethiopia, coffee is served in a very special way. 

Similar to  Japanese tea ceremonies, in Ethiopia, there are coffee ceremonies.  The ceremony is very precise and involves things like roasting the beans in a pan before grinding them and brewing the coffee. There is usually incense present and often people will serve special popcorn with the coffee.

Though you normally have to be personally invited to a coffee ceremony, there are some public ones in the capital city of Addis Ababa like at the coffee shop Alem Bunna,  so if you do get to participate in one, don’t pass it up! 

The post If You Love Coffee, You Have to Check Out Ethiopia! appeared first on Traveler Master.

What to Do

One of the most famous festivities that Vigo celebrates every year is called La Reconquista, or the Reconquest of Vigo. This happened in the early 19th century when Vigo’s army fought against Napolean’s and was ultimately victorious. This celebration only happens in Vigo because no other cities were involved, and it usually takes place in March. There are historical reenactments, tons of food and drinking, Galician music, and more!

San Blas is another festival that you should definitely participate in if you’re around! It happens in the winter, usually late January or early February, and it celebrates the local winemakers around Vigo. During this time, they usually have a lot of wine and local cider that they can’t sell, so they give it to you for a very cheap price. What’s most fun is that the drinks are drunk out of a traditional bowl!

Another really fun and unique festival that happens in Vigo is called San Juan. The night of San Juan celebrates the summer solstice, and in order to do so, people cleanse themselves of their sins by writing down bad things that have happened and throwing them into huge bonfires that the city creates in the center. The other famous thing that happens during this celebration is the eating of sardines, so if you’re there, you definitely have to get a grilled one!

If you’re in Vigo in the summer, you’re in for a real treat since there are so many beaches in and surrounding the city! If you want to keep it local go to either Praia Samil or Praia do Vao. Both of these beaches are super easily accessed through public transportation and are very beautiful!

If you want to take your beach experience to the next level, take a ferry across the bay and go to the small town of Cangas and experience a totally serene, stunning, beach. There is a pathway that you walk alongside the sea from the ferry to the gorgeous beach, and it’s just such a great environment to truly relax.

What to Eat

There are so many bakeries to eat at in Vigo, but one of the absolute best is called El Atelier de Diego Caride. This authentic French bakery has so many incredible Galician twists that give you a real feel for the patisserie history of Vigo.

Something that you should definitely try to eat wherever you go to in Vigo is octopus. Spanish octopus originated in Vigo, and because it’s caught fresh, the flavor is amazing! Whether you see it on the street, on a menu, or in an empanada, get it!

The post Join the Celebration in Vigo, Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

Hai Van Pass, which means “Sea of Clouds” in Vietnamese, is a 21 km long mountain pass that has some serious views. It’s in the Annamite Mountain Range of Vietnam, but also provides you with an incredible view of the East Sea.

Hai Van Pass is actually the highest road in all of Vietnam, being 500 meters above sea level. This coastal road is basically where the north and south parts of the country meet, which makes it really easy for travelers to add to their itinerary if you’re looking to see the whole country anyway.

There are a few ways you can get to this gorgeous sliver of paradise. You can always hire a car or motorcycle and drive there yourself. Or, for not much money, you can hire a Vietnamese person to take you and anyone you’re with on a motorbike tour. The most expensive option is a jeep tour, which still won’t put you back more than $50, so whatever your budget and level of comfort might be, you can experience this beautiful road for yourself.

The post If You’re Going to Vietnam, Don’t Miss Out on Hai Van Pass! appeared first on Traveler Master.

Many people come to Nepal to climb this famous mountain, but, in recent years, it’s been so overcrowded that it’s becoming a fatal trek.

But, there is so much more to Nepal than just Mount Everest, and it’s truly a place of great beauty and adventure.

What to Do

Whether you’re a religious person or not, there’s no way you can skip out on seeing the town where Buddha was born.

In the small town of Lumbini, there are several Buddhist temples and monasteries as it is a place of pilgrimage for many Buddhists. The supposed birthplace of Buddha is in the Maya Devi Temple, so try to see it and as much as you can while you’re there.

Onto another religion and region, in Kathmandu, you cannot miss out on seeing the famous Hindu temple called Pashupatinath. This is the most sacred place for Hindus in the entire country and is another place where people make a pilgrimage to.

Just outside of Kathmandu is a small town called Bhaktapur. While it might not seem like much, the real attraction is the town square which is called Potters’ Square.

The city is famous for clay pottery, and the square is where the artisans leave their works out to dry in the sun. So, if you’re a crafty person or are looking for a unique gift to bring home, you have to head to this spot.

If you’re still a nature person but don’t want to train and push yourself to do Everest, there is still plenty of nature to explore in Nepal. One of the best places to go to is Chitwan National Park, which is a national park but also a jungle! While you’re there, you’ll definitely witness amazing wildlife like elephants, crocodiles, interesting birds, and perhaps one of the 600 rhinoceroses that roam the land.

Another wonderful place to visit if you love adventure and being outside is Lake Fewa. This lake is perfect for water sports, or just walking around the perimeter and taking in the beautiful views. Not only is the lake stunning on its own, but you have an up close and personal view of the Himalayan Mountains, which will absolutely take your breath away.

Food

Nepalese food is so delicious, you can’t visit without trying as many traditional dishes as you can.

One thing you will definitely see on the streets is momos, which are a type of dumpling filled with either some type of meat or often vegetables. It’s normally served with a red chili chutney that is to die for, so don’t be afraid to dip in!

One of the most recognized dishes in Nepal is dal bhat, which is a dish with rice, a soup made from lentils with vegetables and chutneys to accompany it.

The best place to get it is from a restaurant called Bhojan Griha in Kathmandu. This restaurant serves you a traditional Nepalese meal in 4 courses, and you will be so glad to have your belly full of traditional goodness.

The post Visit Nepal, Not Just for Mount Everest! appeared first on Traveler Master.

Durham, North Carolina

Durham for the last few years has really boomed in the music scenes. There are tons of record labels that are opening up, lots of agents moving from New York to Durham, and a lot of worthwhile bands to listen to. One of the most famous Durham-based bands right now is Sylvan Esso, and there is much more than just that to explore.

Asheville, North Carolina

Another North Carolina city, Asheville is also a great place to check out new music. There are tons of small and larger venues in the small city, and people are flocking there because of the beautiful mountainous surrounding alongside an awesome downtown scene. Singers like Angel Olsen are based on Asheville, and there is always music happening wherever you go.

Athens, Georgia

Home of the University of Georgia, people don’t realize how many bands have formed here and gotten their start. Everyone from the B-52s to R.E.M and Neutral Milk Hotel has come out of Athens, so if you want to find the next big thing, it might just be in a little college town in Georgia.

The post Discover These Up and Coming Southern Music Cities Before Everyone Else Does! appeared first on Traveler Master.

City of Asylum Bookstore is a bookstore and an organization that supports local and international artists so that their voices get heard. Some of these artists have been physically exiled from their homes, while others write in dying languages or have other circumstances which make it hard for them to have a place where they can root themselves.

City of Asylum Bookstore has tons of wonderful world literature as well as a large amount of translated works, and the best part is that all of their sales go right back into the organization so they can put on programming and support writers, artists, and musicians who rely on them. So if you happen to be in Pittsburgh and you want to go to a place that really makes a difference in the artistic community, City of Asylum Bookstore is the place to go.

The post Pittsburg Has a Bookstore That Goes Beyond Just Books appeared first on Traveler Master.

Saru Sushi

Saru is a Michelin Guide recommended sushi restaurant, so you know that it is going to be a super high-quality place that uses the best ingredients possible. What makes Saru’s food over the top is the attention they put into each aspect of making sushi. The rice they use is incredible and is grown in Japan, their selection of soy sauces is outstanding and includes one that is made in-house. So if you want a real sushi experience outside of Japan, this is the place to go.

Halu

Halu is a different kind of Japanese restaurant with a major twist. This restaurant is the ’60s, Beetle-inspired theme restaurant that isn’t too kitschy. The style of food they serve is also different as it’s yakitori and izakaya-style food rather than typical sushi. If you are in the mood to have fun some fun and eat expertly prepared meat, Halu is the place for you.

The post These Two San Francisco Japanese Restaurants are to Die For appeared first on Traveler Master.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter or any sort of nut butter should be your new best friend in a hotel room. This is perfect because you don’t even need a mini-fridge to keep it in the room.

You can get crackers or rice cakes and spread it on in the morning for breakfast, or take it to go as a snack for later. Slice up a banana with any plastic fork or put some berries on top and you have a nutritious bite.

Rice in a Bag

If you have a microwave in your hotel room, you should definitely go for rice in a bag.

Though it’s a little bit of a cooking faux pax, it’s really handy if you want to make something in your hotel room that has more substance. Once you’ve cooked the rice, you can add in things like cherry tomatoes, drained beans, and any other fun add-ins you like!

The post Easy No-Cook Meals You Can Make in a Hotel Room! appeared first on Traveler Master.

The first thing that hits you is all of the crazy taxidermies you’ll find on the walls, behind the bar, and beyond. Then, as you make your way to the dancefloor, you’ll notice that all the music that is playing is different than what you normally hear on the radio or at a club.

Instead of top 40 hits, Home Sweet Home plays exclusively old rock music from the ’50s and ’60s, which makes for a completely different vibe. People on the dance floor are dancing in a way you probably won’t see in other places. Instead of normal dance moves, people pull out old school dance moves like the twist, the jive, the jitterbug, and more! You can obviously enjoy the club the way that you like best, but it is fun to get into a new swing of things.

The post If You Love Quirky Themed Bars, This NYC Joint is the Place for You! appeared first on Traveler Master.